"I followed another car today and it really feels much better than last year," Magnussen is quoted by Ekstra Bladet newspaper.

"There are many people who said the rules would not make a difference. But for me there was a big difference today. I could actually follow the other car and after about one and a half laps I was past," he added.

"I probably would have also got past last year, but it was definitely easier.

"I look forward to seeing how it is on other circuits, as there are always factors you could have missed. But the first signs are good," said Magnussen.

"Perhaps with this big rear wing and DRS it will be even be too much and it will be too easy to get past without racing," he smiled.